Can a state governor swear in the Deputy Prime Minister instead of the Governor-General?

Thanks for your question.

The Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Australian Government, is responsible for swearing-in ministers. There are occasions when the Governor-General is overseas on official business or on leave, and unavailable to act on the advice of the government. In such cases, a state governor is commissioned to act as Administrator of the Commonwealth and performs the functions of the Governor-General, including the swearing-in of ministers.

The appointment of ministers is covered in section 64 of the Australian Constitution.

A man sits at a wooden desk with pens and paperwork. Another man is approaching the desk while other people sit and watch.

The Governor-General swearing-in the Prime Minister.

DPS Auspic

The Governor-General swearing-in the Prime Minister.

A man sits at a wooden desk with pens and paperwork. Another man is approaching the desk while other people sit and watch.

DPS Auspic

Description

Anthony Albanese is sworn in as the 31th prime minister of Australia by Governor-General David Hurley in May 2022.

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.